Abstract
The renin–angiotensin system (RAS) has recently been extended by the addition of a novel axis consisting of the angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), the heptapeptide angiotensin (1–7) (Ang-(1–7)), and the G protein-coupled receptor Mas. ACE2 converts the vasoconstrictive and pro-oxidative peptide angiotensin II (Ang II) into Ang-(1–7) which exerts vasodilatory and antioxidative effects via its receptor Mas. Thereby, ACE2 regulates the local actions of the RAS in cardiovascular tissues and the ACE2/Ang-(1–7)/Mas axis exerts protective actions in hypertension, diabetes, and other cardiovascular disorders. Consequently, this novel RAS axis represents a promising therapeutic target for cardiovascular and metabolic diseases.
MeSH terms
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Angiotensin I / genetics
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Angiotensin I / metabolism*
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Angiotensin III / genetics
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Angiotensin III / metabolism
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
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Animals
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Brain / metabolism
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Gene Expression
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Humans
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Kidney / metabolism
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Lung / metabolism
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Myocardium / metabolism
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Peptide Fragments / genetics
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Peptide Fragments / metabolism*
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Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / genetics
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Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A / metabolism*
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Proto-Oncogene Mas
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / genetics
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins / metabolism*
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / genetics
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled / metabolism*
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Renin-Angiotensin System
Substances
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Peptide Fragments
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Proto-Oncogene Mas
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Proto-Oncogene Proteins
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Receptors, G-Protein-Coupled
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Angiotensin III
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Angiotensin I
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Peptidyl-Dipeptidase A
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ACE2 protein, human
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Angiotensin-Converting Enzyme 2
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angiotensin I (1-7)